A Scottish pilot project which will enable people experiencing domestic violence or abuse to continue living in their council property is to be launched in Edinburgh.
Safe As Houses seeks to give those experiencing domestic abuse the option of having their home specially reinforced to make it as secure as possible.
Such modifications, which depending on need could include solid core doors, CCTV and reinforced window and door frames, would minimise the risk for families threatened by domestic abuse of becoming homeless and requiring temporary accommodation.
By having their council property altered to guard against the threat of attack or forced entry by abusive or violent partners, these families will avoid the trauma and disruption of having to move away from their support networks, communities and schools.
The pilot 12-month project, set to be launched in the city later this year, follows Sanctuary, a similar scheme by a number of English local authorities since 2002. The City of Edinburgh Council’s Homelessness Service was one of a small number of Scottish local authorities to secure funding for the pilot from the Scottish Executive’s Preventing Homelessness Innovation Fund.
The funding of £55,000 will allow the council to employ a dedicated officer to support people who opt to stay in their own home and to provide measures to make their property as secure as possible.
What they say
Councillor Sheila Gilmore, Executive Member for Community Safety and Housing, said: "Too many people in Edinburgh have their lives turned upside down because of the abuse they suffer in their own homes. Safe As Houses is a project which will protect families from the threat of domestic violence in their existing property, should they wish to stay there."
